Rebecca Harris, Conservative MP for Castle Point and her eight year old Saluki, Lola are taking part in the ‘paw-litical’ contest to be named top dog, in Westminster Dog of the Year 2022, an annual event run by Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, taking place on Thursday 15 September.

The coveted event returns for its 29th year and is open to all dog loving MPs and their four-legged friends of all ages, breeds, shapes and sizes – pedigree and crossbreed alike, to compete for Parliament's pooch of the year, held at Victoria Tower Gardens in London.

In 2021 the title and public vote was awarded to French Bulldog Vivienne and the late Sir David Amess. In memory of the MP who tragically died last year, the public vote prize has been renamed the David Amess Pawblic Vote Award to commemorate Sir David, who was a dedicated dog lover and carried out extensive work to improve and protect dog welfare throughout his life.

Organised jointly by Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, Rebecca Harris MP has the unique opportunity to celebrate her canine companion Lola, as well as raise the awareness of an important issue and concern many dog owners face. This year the event focuses on fireworks, which can sadly cause great distress to dogs throughout the year. The competition will provide a platform for guidance on how dog owners can minimise the stress experienced by their pets, as well as encourage the government to explore what can be done to better regulate the use of fireworks across the UK.

Proud owner, Rebecca Harris MP explains:

“Lola is an incredibly sweet, calm and caring dog who shows us all so much love and affection. I wouldn’t know what to do without her, she is always there for you whenever you need her and she brings a lot of comfort and calm after a particularly busy and hectic day.

“She will always be a winner to me and deserves the centre stage after her years of loyalty and service on the ‘pawlitical’ trail.”

The contest also includes a ‘paw-blic’ vote, the newly named David Amess Award, in which MPs are seeking votes from their supporters for their dogs. Additional judging will be carried out on the day by representatives from Dogs Trust and The Kennel Club, who will consider the contestants on their dog-related deeds.

For more details of all the MPs and dogs entered for Westminster Dog of the Year and to vote for Rebecca Harris and Lola visit thekennelclub.org.uk/wdoty